Translation guide
The English word 'question' can refer to an interrogative sentence, a doubt, an issue or matter, or the act of asking. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
A sentence or phrase used to ask for information.
The most common and neutral word for a question you ask someone.
質問があります。
I have a question.
その質問に答えられますか？
Can you answer that question?
A question in the sense of a doubt or something you wonder about. Often used in more formal or written contexts.
その点について疑問があります。
I have a question about that point.
A somewhat literary or formal word for a question, often used in titles or abstract discussions.
これは哲学的な問いだ。
This is a philosophical question.
A feeling of not being sure about something; a state of doubt.
Expresses doubt or a question in your mind. Can be used as '疑問に思う' (to have doubts).
彼の説明には疑問が残る。
His explanation leaves some questions.
その話を疑問に思う。
I question that story.
Stronger doubt or suspicion. Often implies distrust.
Pattern for expressing 'whether or not', which often corresponds to an indirect question in English.
彼が来るかどうか分からない。
I don't know whether he will come. (I have a question about whether he will come.)
A topic or problem that needs to be discussed or dealt with.
Used for a question in the sense of a problem, issue, or matter under discussion.
それは時間の問題だ。
It's a question of time.
環境問題について話し合う。
Discuss environmental questions/issues.
A question as a task, assignment, or challenge to be solved.
The action of posing a question.
The verb form meaning 'to ask a question'.
先生に質問した。
I asked the teacher a question.
To ask or inquire, often used for asking for information or directions.
道を尋ねた。
I asked for directions. (I asked a question about the way.)
Formal/literary verb for asking or questioning, often used in set phrases like '責任を問う' (question someone's responsibility).
真価が問われる。
One's true worth is questioned.
質問 (shitsumon) is a direct question you ask someone. 疑問 (gimon) is a doubt or question in your mind. 問題 (mondai) is a problem or issue. Don't use 問題 for a simple interrogative sentence.
質問：何時に始まりますか？
Question: What time does it start?
疑問：なぜ彼は来なかったのだろう？
Question/doubt: Why didn't he come?
問題：資金不足が問題だ。
Issue: Lack of funds is the problem.
When 'question' means a topic or issue for discussion, 問題 or 課題 is often more natural than 質問. For example, 'the question of climate change' is 気候変動の問題, not 気候変動の質問.
質問はありますか？
Do you have any questions?
それは問題外です。
That's out of the question.
問題は彼が同意するかどうかだ。
The question is whether he will agree.
彼の言葉に疑いを持つ。
I have doubts about his words.
This is an important question/issue.